Seabiscuit and Technology

I've been listening to "Seabiscuit" by Laura Hillenbrand on my
iPod, and I haven't been able to resist drawing parallels between
the story of a tenacious, Depression-era racehorse and the current
state of affairs I'm observing in the world of technology.

As an aside, I wouldn't even be able to "read" this book if it
were not for the iPod. Just like everyone else, I'm working twice
as hard to stay even. Reading a novel is a luxury I don't have.
But I still have to drive my car to the office, speaking engagements,
and photo jobs. On those journeys is when I've been able to absorb
and think about Seabiscuit's story.

As I see it, there are three major themes. First, by joining together
with others with a common goal, we can change the direction of our
lives. Second, there's no substitute for pure, gut-level
determination. And third, those who successfully demonstrate the
first two attributes can influence and uplift those around them.
Every one of the six primary characters in the story (owners,
trainer, jockeys, and horse) vividly demonstrates these qualities.

Then I look at the state of technology. Many argue that we're not
in a depression, or even a recession. Tell that to the thousands
of people who have lost their jobs. Try promoting a conference,
selling a book, signing a deal for web advertising, opening a
retail store, or hanging your shingle as an independent consultant
or software developer. It's hard out there right now.

The themes in embodied by a short, muddy brown, knock-kneed
racehorse and its trainer somehow apply to the world I see around
me -- band together with others, dig in your heals, and don't stop
driving until you've reached the goal.

There's one key to success that isn't in the script ... timing.
But certainly the timing for the release of Seabiscuit, in this
economy, has had much to do with its success.

If you've been knocking your head against the business wall, maybe
take a moment and listen to someone else's triumph over the odds.
There are hundreds of books out there that fit this bill. Two that
I've enjoyed lately are "Seabiscuit" and "The Second Coming of Steve
Jobs." Both books are on audible.com.

Until next time,

-Derrick

--
Derrick Story
Mac DevCenter Editor
derrick@oreilly.com

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